Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is backing Olivier Giroud to come back strongly from a disappointing performance in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The French striker missed a number of good opportunities to score in their surprise 3-1 defeat to Monaco in their last-16 first leg. 

But Wenger insists it's not Giroud's fault they lost. "He's a strong character, Olivier," said the 65-year-old.

"Personally, I don't blame him at all. We lost as a team, we fight for each other as a team.

"He didn't miss the chances on purpose, he wanted to score the goals, but it can happen."